Telecom Mast Registration Procedure

2

3

1. Introduction .................................................................................................4

2. Technical Approval and Why it is Required ................................................7 2.1 Option 1: Generic Registration Technical Approval ..........................8 2.2 Option 2: Site Specific Technical Approval .......................................8

3. Mast Registration Procedure ....................................................................10 3.1 Statement of Registration ................................................................10 3.2 Design Check Certificate ................................................................10 3.3 Data Sheet .......................................................................................11 3.4 Drawings .........................................................................................11

4. Construction Stage Approval ....................................................................12 4.1 Compliance Certificate ....................................................................12 4.2 Construction Drawings including Foundations ...............................12 4.3 Planning ...........................................................................................12

Table 1 – Mast Registration Procedure and Construction Stage Approval .......13

5. References ................................................................................................14 5.1 Design Manual for Roads and Bridges. ..........................................14 5.2 British Standards and BS EN Standards .........................................14 5.3 Other Documents ............................................................................14

6. Enquiries ...................................................................................................14

Appendix A1 – Statement of Registration ..........................................................16Appendix A2 – Design and Check Certificate ...................................................17Appendix A3 – Sample Data Sheet (Parts 1 and 2) ...........................................18Appendix A4 – Compliance Certificate ..............................................................20Appendix A5 – Example Arrangement Drawing ................................................21Appendix A6 – Example Data Sheet (Parts 1 and 2) .........................................22Appendix B1 – Frequently Asked Questions .....................................................24

Contents

4

The Highways Agency (HA) requires that all structures erected within the highway boundary, on HA land or where they may fall onto HA land, have been designed by competent persons and are safe.

This procedure is called Technical Approval and is set out in the HA document entitled Technical Approval of Highway Structures, BD 2, which is part of the HA Design Manual for Roads and Bridges. (The HA does not require any involvement if the mast is not on HA land and if the telecom mast is located beyond the ‘fall distance’ of HA land).

There are two methods to gain technical approval: Generic Registration Technical Approval covers the design of a mast for a range of parameters that would allow it to be used at a number of locations;

OR Site Specific Technical Approval covers individual structures.

This procedure covers Generic Registration Technical Approval, but for Site Specific Technical Approval reference should be made to BD 2.

In order to obtain approval to erect a telecom mast on HA land, the Telecom Company shall apply to the HA to register the mast, in accordance with the Telecom Mast Registration Procedure. This procedure requires the Telecom Company to demonstrate that a competent person or persons have designed the mast, checked that it complies with the required design standards and is appropriate for the selected location.

The provision of a manufacturer’s data sheet is not sufficient to comply with this Telecom Mast Registration Procedure because it does not normally confirm that the mast selected is appropriate (safe) for the proposed location.

The following definitions shall apply throughout this procedure.

1 Introduction

5

Term Defi nition

Checker An individual or group of engineers responsible for checking the design. It may comprise an appropriate mix of specialists under the direction of a Team Leader.

Competent Person The person responsible for overseeing and co-ordinating the work of the design, or checking team and having authority to sign on behalf of the team. The Competent Person shall be appropriately qualified and competent in relevant fields of engineering related to the work and is expected to be a Chartered Member of a relevant Institution or suitable equivalent.

Compliance Certifi cate A signed statement by the Telecom Company that the mast is suitable for use at a specific location.

Construction Stage Approval Approval given by the local Maintaining Agent to proceed with construction and erection of the telecom mast.

Data Sheet A sheet listing all of the design parameters and basic structural information that has been used for the design of the telecom mast or mast system.

Designer An individual, group or organisation of engineers responsible for the design. It may comprise an appropriate mix of specialists under the direction of a Team Leader.

Fall Distance The distance equal to the proposed total height of the structure (including equipment/antennae) above ground level, when laid horizontally on the ground.

Generic Registration Technical Approval

The Technical Approval for a mast system to be used throughout England wherever the generic design parameters are not exceeded. HA agreement is required to confirm that the information submitted for a particular structure meets the generic design parameters submitted. Approval shall be registered with the HA.

Highway Structure Structure or installation coming within the scope of this Procedure and situated under, over or adjacent to a motorway, trunk road or designated road.

Lighting Column System Range of combinations of column heights and lengths of brackets together with the weights and windage areas of lanterns and attachments for which the column has been designed.

Maintaining Agent (MA) The organisation responsible for the maintenance of a Highway Structure.

Overseeing Organisation The highway authority responsible for motorways and other trunk roads or designated roads in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

6

Term Defi nition

Proprietary Manufactured Structure

A structure manufactured to a system covered by a patent and/or a registered design that conforms to a Technical Approval procedure and TAS (see below for definition of TAS).

Statement of Registration A certificate issued by the HA representative recording the registration details of the Telecom Company, the mast system and a named contact.

Team Leader The person responsible for overseeing and co-ordinating the work of the design and/or checking team and having authority to sign on behalf of the team. The Team Leader shall be appropriately qualified and competent in relevant fields of engineering related to the work and is expected to be a Chartered Member of a relevant Institution or suitable equivalent.

Telecom Company The owner of the mast system who is guaranteeing and taking responsibility for the validity of the information supplied to the HA representative for registering the mast in accordance with the Mast Registration Procedure.

Telecom Mast or Mast System A monopole or monopole system made from steel or composite materials used to support antennae or other telecommunications equipment and owned by a Telecom Company.

Technical Approval (TA) The submission of Proposals for agreement by the HA representative and the subsequent provision of a Statement of Registration by the HA.

Technical Approval Schedule (TAS)

The schedule of documents to be used for the design or assessment of a Highway Structure.

7

Technical Approval (TA) is the Overseeing Organisation’s means of managing technical requirements for new and existing structures (both permanent and temporary) to ensure that designs are safe and fit for their intended purpose.

In the case of Third Party structures (telecom masts are in this category of structures) this appraisal will also extend to assessing the effect on HA structures and on the road network.

The fundamental objectives of the TA procedures are to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, that Highway Structures are safe and serviceable in use, economic to build and maintain, sustainable and with minimal impact on the environment, and satisfactorily perform their intended functions.

The TA procedures also ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, that the highway user and any others who may be affected are protected from any adverse effects resulting from any work carried out to any Highway Structure and that there is adequate provision for safety under all circumstances.

TA provides procedures to safeguard the HA’s and their Maintaining Agents’ responsibilities, through their authority to technically approve schemes, in protecting the Secretary of State’s (in Northern Ireland, the Department for Regional Development’s; in Scotland, the Scottish Ministers’ and in Wales, the Welsh Ministers’) interests and statutory duties of public safety.

TA applies to proposals, including private development, within the highway boundary. It also applies to Proposals, which are outside the highway boundary, for adoption of Highway Structures by the HA and/or their Maintaining Agents. It is recommended that TA be applied to Proposals outside the highway boundary resulting from planning applications that are referred to the HA and/or their Maintaining Agents for direction, as they may affect the highway. (These considerations will not consider the economic considerations of building, maintaining and sustainability of Third Party structures).

Where the Overseeing Organisation is consulted during planning applications, this type approval will be required. Where the masts are outside highways authority land, this ‘type approval’ is usually all that would be required (provided that the construction did not require any access/interfere with road users). In many cases local authorities will give conditional approval subject to obtaining this ‘type approval’.

TA does not apply to cases where there are no public safety issues such as temporary works in green field sites or only in place during full road closures

Technical approval and why it is required2

8

with no other public access. However, TA applies to temporary works where the permanent works proposal has identified the need for an independent check.

There are two types of Technical Approval available for Telecom Mast Registration, Option 1: Generic Registration Technical Approval, and Option 2: Site Specific Technical Approval,

details of both are described below and are shown on the attached Table 1.

2.1 Option 1: Generic Registration Technical ApprovalIn order to avoid Telecom Companies having to submit full technical approval for each individual site to the HA, they have agreed, in consultation with Telecom Companies, to a Generic Registration Technical Approval. In summary, the designer shall certify that the mast has been designed/checked for a range of generic design parameters that will allow the proposed mast system to be used throughout England wherever those parameters are not exceeded. For each mast system, this will only have to be done once.

For each proposed new site the Telecom company shall provide copies of the mast system registration documents to the HA and thereby negating the need for any further checks on the structural adequacy of the mast. General arrangements and site details are not required for this technical approval (they form part of the Construction Stage Approval).

The status of the Mast Registration of a particular mast system application can be confirmed by contacting the Asset Management & Performance Group, Safety Standards and Research (AMP SSR). It can also be confirmed by e-mail: [email protected]

9

2.2 Option 2: Site Specifi c Technical ApprovalSite Specific Technical Approval is to be used for individual structures that are designed for use in only one location, for example, a mast at high altitude or subject to high wind speeds, a lattice tower or other unique structure.

The Telecom Company shall submit full details of the telecom mast, and confirmation that the design has been carried out to the appropriate design standards by competent named individuals with appropriate qualifications and experience in accordance with BD2, Technical Approval of Highway Structures. This will require the submission of an Approval in Principle (AIP) document; an appropriate model document is given in BD2: Annex A1.

The Approval in Principle (AIP) should provide all the relevant design parameters and end user requirements for the structure. For example, it should include appropriate statements regarding appearance, environmental and maintenance considerations. Drawings should be provided including a location plan together with any other relevant details of any possible effect on the highway network and/or anything else that may affect the HA/Maintaining Agent.

The following is a check list of essential requirements for an AIP; for full details, refer to BD2:1. Location2. Operational dimensions/levels3. Highway loading requirements4. Other loading requirements5. Relevant Departmental Standards, British Standards, Codes of Practice etc.6. General Arrangement drawing including the Designated Outline

The following is a check list of other requirements for an AIP; for full details, refer to BD2:7. Ground investigation data8. Appearance of structure9. Environmental factors10. Constraints/external control during construction11. Operational or user requirements12. Special maintenance13. Any other essential requirements

The HA will deal with each individual request on a ‘local basis’. The contact details of the local representative in England can be obtained by e-mailing the HA Asset Assurance Group (AAG SSR) on:[email protected]

10

The Telecom Company is required to compile details of the proposed generic mast system or of the site specific telecom mast and submit these to the Highways Agency. Standard pro-formas are included in Appendices A1 to A4, and if required, electronic copies of these forms can be obtained from AMP SSR.

The purpose of these forms is to describe the typical information required when submitting a request to the HA. To assist the HA it is useful to replicate the format of these forms and provided the required information is included.

There is no reason why these forms cannot be tailored to suit individual company requirements. This may include adding company names, logos, and extending tables to include variants in mast height, etc. If these alterations result in two pages being created for a particular certificate then it is important that particular mast reference details, for example, mast name, drawing number, manufacturer’s reference number, revisions etc. are all included on both sheets. All sheets must be signed on behalf of the Telecom Company. A description of the forms is given below and the procedure is shown on the attached Table 1:

3.1 Statement of RegistrationA Certificate issued by the HA recording registration details of the Telecom Company, the mast system and a named contact is required. The registration is in the name of the Telecom Company (not the manufacturer/designer). It is the Telecom Company, which is guaranteeing and taking responsibility for the validity of the information supplied. A sample Statement of Registration is included in Appendix A1 for information.

3.2 Design Check Certifi cateA Form completed by the designer and the checker to confirm that they have exercised due professional skill and care in undertaking the design of the telecom mast system. A sample Design Check Certificate is included in Appendix A2 for information. Separate design check certificates may be submitted for the telecom mast’s structure and its foundation.

The Checker should be a senior member of the design organisation, and for structures above 20 metres in height, the checker shall be independent of the design team.

3 Mast registration procedure

11

3.3 Data SheetA Sheet listing all of the design parameters and basic structural information that has been used for the design of the telecom mast. A blank sample Data Sheet is included in Appendix A3 and an example of a completed Data Sheet is included in Appendix A6 for information. It should be noted that the sample data sheet is in two parts to allow separate approval of the mast’s structure and its foundation, if required.

The basic requirements, which should be included, are set out in the Notes for Guidance on the Specification for Highway Works (Series NG1300), and is part of the Manual of Contract Documents for Highway Works.

If an alternative structure type or design standard is used then the information to be submitted will be different. For example, it is expected that a steel lattice tower would be designed in accordance with BS 8100. The requirements must be agreed with the HA.

3.4 DrawingsThese should contain the basic information required to identify the telecom mast listed on the Design Check Certificate and the Data Sheet.

This typically includes details of the general arrangement of the telecom mast, the attachments, the number of antennae, microwave dishes, etc.

In some instances the Telecom Company may wish to include additional generic details, for example, details of the foundation designs. An example arrangement drawing is in Appendix A5; this includes structure and foundation information on the same drawing. If separate approval is required it is expected that separate drawings will be submitted for the structure and foundations.

12

Following receipt of a Statement of Mast Registration, the Telecom Company is required to apply for Construction Stage Approval to the local maintaining agents by submitting the following information.

Construction Stage Approval is only required if the telecom mast is to be erected on HA land or the fall distance of the mast or any part of it is onto HA land (see diagram on page 6).

The Telecom Company shall confirm that Site Specific checks have been carried out to confirm that the design is suitable for use at the proposed location, including details of safety barriers and any other restrictions/planning issues that may apply.

4.1 Compliance Certifi cateA Signed statement by the Telecom Company, that the mast is suitable for use at this specific location. A sample of which is included in Appendix A4.

4.2 Construction Drawings including FoundationsThe general arrangement of the mast, foundation layout and all other relevant information shall be included as part of this submission.

Foundations may be designed in accordance with any relevant geotechnical design standard. The actual ground/soil conditions at each site shall be confirmed as being in accordance with the foundation design which should form part of this submission.

4.3 PlanningThe Telecom Company should also provide the following information that may assist the Approval of the Construction Stage.1. Construction and erection programme.2. Plant movements during construction and erection stages on HA land that

may affect the network.3. Details of future access requirements for the mast and equipment/antennae

that may affect the network.4. Any other information that may assist the Maintaining Authority.

4 Construction stage approval

13

Table 1 – Mast registration procedure and construction stage approval

14

5.1 Design Manual for Roads and Bridges. BD 2 Technical Approval of Highway StructuresBD 26 The Design Of Lighting ColumnsHD 22 Managing Geotechnical Risk, Part 1, Procedures for Geotechnical Certification

5.2 British Standards and BS EN StandardsEN40 Lighting Columns

5.3 Other DocumentsPD 4567 Guidance on the use of BS EN 40-3-1 and BS EN 40-3-3Manual of Contract Documents for Highway WorksVolume 2 - Notes for Guidance on the Specification for Highway WorksSeries NG1300 Road Lighting Columns and Brackets, CCTV Masts and Cantilever Masts

All technical enquiries or comments on this Procedure should be directed to the Highway Agency’s SSR Asset Management and Performance Group at the following address.

Asset Management & Performance Group Safety Standards and Research Highways Agency Room 403 City Tower Piccadilly Plaza Manchester M1 4BEEmail: [email protected]

5 References

6 Enquiries

15.0Steel/Glass fibre reinforced plastic

BS EN 10025 S275JRGalvanised

6.590 6.0000.219 0.273

10 16N N

1.0500.6500.160

1.4 1.2 1.05

1,170| / || / ||| / |V

17.03.06

17.03.06A.N. Other

15m Example946/10/Sk0101st January 2006

01

17.03.06

17.03.06A.N. Other

28,000118,000

2.0630 / 390 / 230

1.29 0.60.071 0.92

25 5012 13.8

2.75 2.75 1.25

8450278.8

0.6

946/10/20

1st January 2006


01

15

AppendicesA

ABCCONSULTING

TELECOM

MAST

EXAMPLEARRANGEMENT

Notes:

NTS

EXAMPLE

-946/10/SK01

946/10

15MOF

TELECOM

XYZ

375

1500

0 OV

ERAL

L

6000

6590

Ø380MM GRP SHROUDCONTAINING ANTENNAE

Ø300MMTRANSMISSION DISH

Ø273 x 16

Ø219 x 10

Ø76 x 5

ROOT ASSEMBLYØ273 x 10 REF.

ACCESS HATCH650 x 160

Ø600

1050

2000

GL(0)

2750 x 2750

ALTERNATIVE PADFOUNDATION ARRANGEMENT

T.O.C.GROUND LEVEL

1250

270

A4

RevisionsDateMark

Client :-

Job :-

Detail :-

App

Drawn by :-

Checked by :-

Approved by :-

Job No. :-

Scale :-

Date :-

Date :-

Date :-

Status :-

Drawing no. :-

1.1.2006CCC

1.1.2006BBB

1.1.2006AAA

Rev.

Appendix A1 - Statement of Registration

Appendix A2 - Design and Check Certifi cate

Appendix A3 - Sample Data Sheet (Part 1)


Appendix A4 - Compliance Certifi cate

Appendix A5 – Example Arrangement Drawing

Appendix A6 - Example Data Sheet (Part 1)


Appendix A1 – Statement of Registration

Appendix A2 – Design and Check Certifi cate



Appendix A4 - Compliance Certifi cate

ABCCONSULTING

TELECOM

MAST

EXAMPLEARRANGEMENT

Notes:

NTS

EXAMPLE

-946/10/SK01

946/10

15MOF

TELECOM

XYZ

375

1500

0 OV

ERALL

6000

6590

Ø380MM GRP SHROUDCONTAINING ANTENNAE

Ø300MMTRANSMISSION DISH

Ø273 x 16

Ø219 x 10

Ø76 x 5

ROOT ASSEMBLYØ273 x 10 REF.

ACCESS HATCH650 x 160

Ø600

1050

2000

GL(0)

2750 x 2750

ALTERNATIVE PADFOUNDATION ARRANGEMENT

T.O.C.GROUND LEVEL

1250

270

A4

RevisionsDateMark

Client :-

Job :-

Detail :-

App

Drawn by :-

Checked by :-

Approved by :-

Job No. :-

Scale :-

Date :-

Date :-

Date :-

Status :-

Drawing no. :-

1.1.2006CCC

1.1.2006BBB

1.1.2006AAA

Rev.

Appendix A5 – Example Arrangement Drawing

15.0Steel/Glass fibre reinforced plastic

BS EN 10025 S275JRGalvanised

6.590 6.0000.219 0.273

10 16N N

1.0500.6500.160

1.4 1.2 1.05

1,170| / || / ||| / |V

17.03.06

17.03.06A.N. Other


01


17.03.06

17.03.06A.N. Other

28,000118,000

2.0630 / 390 / 230

1.29 0.60.071 0.92

25 5012 13.8

2.75 2.75 1.25

8450278.8

0.6

946/10/20

1st January 2006


01


24

The Telecom Companies have powers under the Telecommunication Act to erect masts. Why should we have to go through this procedure?Highways Authorities are empowered by the Secretary of State to ensure the safety of the Network. The Telecommunication Act does not overrule this.

Why does the registration have to be in the name of the telecom company, I want to register it under my company so I can sell it to any telecom operator?The masts are being erected under the permissions granted to Telecom Companies under the Act. Therefore they are underwriting the validity of the design process and accepting liability for the design. This responsibility cannot be delegated. However it is possible for a designer/checker to agree in principle a ‘pro-forma’ design for a generic mast. This could then be re-badged by each Telecom Company for formal submission to the HA. The format and details should be agreed with the HA.

I have selected the mast from the manufacturer’s data sheet why do I need registration?Many data sheets will relate to the mast and not the specific combination of components (antenna configuration, shroud, microwave dish etc.) that is proposed. In addition, the designer/checker will not be identified and responsibility for the design will be unclear. Most data sheets contain caveats restricting use or design limitations. What is required is for the Highways Authorities to be sure that the mast selected has been designed by a competent person. It is permissible to ask the manufacturer to provide the design check certificate and documentation required.

Do I have to use BD 26 for the design?No, any appropriate structural standard my be used in agreement with the HA.

My designer is not MICE/MIStructE but has 20 years experience is this acceptable?The object of this is to confirm that the person designing the structure is competent. An engineering qualification will prove that the designer will have an appreciation of the design principles and be covered by the firm’s professional indemnity insurance. Without specific qualifications, it will be necessary to check/confirm that PI insurance covers the named person as competent for carrying out this design work. A Team Leader should be overseeing and co-ordinating the design and shall have the authority to sign on behalf of the team. Generally this is expected to be a Partner or Director of the Design Organisation.

Appendix B1 – Frequently Asked Questions?

25

Why do I need to provide drawings?To assist identification and to ensure that the mast constructed is that described on the Statement of Registration.

The data sheet specifies a specific product type antenna, can I use a different one?The purpose of this information on the data sheet is purely for identification. If the antenna will be contained within the shroud and/or provided it does not exceed the weight limits specified it will be acceptable to change the type. If the antenna is not protected by a shroud, but it is the same general dimensions as that previously specified (or smaller) then it will be acceptable. If it is larger or a different shape then a new application will need to be submitted. When filling in this box include the term (or similar) after the type to allow for this.

The proposed mast will be behind a tree (or other obstruction like a fence) therefore it will not fall onto HA land, do I need registration?Yes, it cannot be guaranteed that this tree will be in place throughout the whole design life of the mast, therefore registration is necessary.

How much will this registration cost?For the registration process there are no charges associated, however there may be some site specific charges if the Telecom Company needs to arrange easements, traffic control, etc.

How long will this process take?Generic Type Approval:That depends on the complexity of the scheme and the information provided. Assuming proposals are clearly set out, the information required is provided and there are no mistakes or conflicting information then you should allow 30 days for registration. Site Specific Technical Approval:Where proposals will directly affect road users/operation of the network, restrictions may be imposed and in some cases permission will not be given. It is important to give as much notice as possible to allow proposals to be considered. It is expected that AIP’S should be submitted for agreement; these will be either be agreed or returned with comments within 6 weeks. Submission of check certificates and other details will follow that and formal agreement will be given within 5 weeks of receipt of acceptable completed documents. Telecom Companies must not assume completion within a shorter time.

How long is this registration valid?The Telecom Company can withdraw a mast design at any time. This may

Appendix B1 – Frequently Asked Questions?

26

occur where the designer considers that the design is no longer valid/applicable, if the structure has been replaced by a different type, or if the design standards used have been superseded.

It is important to understand that the responsibility for this structure rests with the Telecom Company. If design standards have been superseded invalidating design assumptions then as the owners of the structure they are liable. For that reason the Telecom Company should regularly review the status of their registered structures and inform the HA if they wish to withdraw that structure. It is assumed that once registered, a product will continue to be used until the HA is notified that it should be withdrawn.

Does this mean that the Telecom Company can erect this mast on the Motorway?No, motorways and protected streets are excluded from the powers granted under the Telecommunications Act.

?Appendix B1 – Frequently Asked Questions

27